Nov. 23, 2006 – On Nov. 22, Salt Gallery, a new online gallery and art brokerage based on St. Croix www.salt-gallery.com launched itself worldwide. Swedish born artist and curator Tomas Lanner believes this "refreshing look on contemporary art" is set to revolutionize the art gallery world. This mixed media, multi-artist gallery highlights talent from Europe, the United States and the Caribbean with favored artists Kathy Taylor of Phoenix, Luca Gasperi of St. Croix, Bengt Yman of Scandinavia and Jordan Eagles of New York.
Lanner's exciting online venture promises all the attention of a brick-and-mortar gallery and all the efficiency of an Internet business. If his scope doesn't sound unusual, think about this: high pressure sales and inflated prices at many galleries scares away art collectors while commissions up to 50 percent means that buyers pay for gallery costs and not just the art. In sharp contrast, Lanner creates a peaceful environment at Salt Gallery. "My gallery is informative, not pushy. I take time and walk my customers through the site and make them feel comfortable with the art," said Lanner. And while other Internet galleries usually accept any "artist" based on their ability to pay monthly membership dues, Lanner's criterion is much stricter. He often has open calls for artists but requires they qualify for Salt Gallery on many levels: consistency, quality, skill, intrigue and nuance.
"My goal is not on the sale, but on the information: where does this artist come from, what motivates them, are you moved by it? These are the questions my staff and I are focusing on." He believes that his gallery will create new avenues for artists, art lovers and collectors all over the world and will highlight emerging talent. By being an upfront and art-centered gallery Lanner imagines that one-of-a-kind, original art can be in anyone's home. "My commission on the art is unusually low. I do this because I believe great art can be affordable. And the more art collectors I create as a result of my collection, the more artists I help to succeed."
Salt Gallery is Lanner's first step in a larger vision for a more inclusive art world. After working in art sales throughout the San Francisco Bay area, he knows all about the cutthroat nature of art galleries. Instead, he wants people to be inspired by this collection. "I want them to feel desire for the art that I love. This is what makes people come back to you," he said, " and it makes good business." Indeed, with this unique and open attitude in a sea of quick consumerism, Salt Gallery will make very good business.
Contact: Tomas Lanner, P.O. Box 4160, Kingshill, V.I. 00851, US +1-340-514-6664, or e-mail: director@salt-gallery.com
